The Queensland government is intensifying efforts to combat the illegal trade of tobacco and vapes, which it claims is being exploited by criminal gangs. Health Minister Tim Nicholls revealed that 350-400 stores, including repeat offenders, are under surveillance, with recent raids seizing millions of illicit cigarettes, tons of loose tobacco, and tens of thousands of illegal vapes. Nicholls emphasized the need for stricter financial penalties, arguing that current fines, capped at $3,200 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations, are insufficient to deter the lucrative trade. Discussions are underway with the attorney-general to introduce harsher penalties.
Meanwhile, the government faces mounting pressure to release the delayed Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review (MYFER). Labor’s Shannon Fentiman criticized the delay, suggesting the government is buying time to address fiscal mismanagement and accusing the LNP of stalling after their October election victory. Nicholls defended the postponement, citing efforts to uncover past Labor overspending and ensure an accurate portrayal of state finances. He dismissed opposition criticism as desperation, maintaining that the government is prioritizing transparency and accountability in its economic reporting.